§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the United States concerning possible repercussions for the environment of the use of GM fungicide on coca crops in Colombia. [130018]
§ Mr. BattleWe are not aware of the use of GM fungicides on coca crops in Colombia. No representations have been made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to the US Government on this issue.
The US Government are providing funding to the United Nations Drug Control Programme as part of its research into the possible use of Fusarium Oxysporum, a naturally-occurring fungus, in coca eradication programmes. Field trials on Fusarium Oxysporum have not yet been conducted in Colombia. Before these take place further research would need to be carried out inter alia to confirm that it is specific to coca and would not harm agricultural crops and other plant species. Field testing and any subsequent eradication campaign would also have to be approved by the Colombian Government.